Nearly twenty years ago, Nas forever changed the direction of Hip-Hop with his debut album Illmatic. The nine-song LP featured a unpredencted mix of poetic lyrics with a wide array of production that would go on to be classified as “pure” and “authentic” sounds of the culture.

To this day, it is revered as the greatest Hip-Hop album to many a tastemaker as well as a beacon to signify enormous record sales don’t always equate to timeless music.

As Nas prepares for what likely be a year-long celebration of his storied entry into the game, Hip-Hop Wired caught up with the legendary rapper during the 2nd annual Vibe Impact Awards and asked him about his thoughts surrounding the album’s 20-year anniversary.

“I definitely want to relish in the moment,” he tells Hip-Hop Wired. “This is something to be enjoyed.”

Since 1994, fans have been enjoying the fevered energy of cuts like “Represent” or the vivid storytelling of “Memory Lane” and “One Love,” but how often does Nas break out his debut for his own personal trek down memory lane?

“Never,” he replied. When asked why, the veteran MC spoke on how he is always looking to move forward with new adventures and that the future is always something to be explored.

Watch the exclusive clip below and keep it locked to Hip-Hop Wired for more Illmatic coverage in the upcoming months.